Smart Energy Summit Features Executive Session With CEDIA, GE, and Broadcom Examining Opportunities for Smart Appliances, Electric Vehicles, and Residential Energy Systems

Parks Associates Reports Consumer Interest in Lifestyle Improvement (65%) as Strong as Demand for Cost Savings (68%) in Motivating Home Upgrades


DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - January 3, 2011) - While consumer awareness of smart grids remains low at 12%, U.S. households are still taking energy-saving actions themselves, with roughly 80% making energy-related improvements in their home, according to international research from Parks Associates. The firm also reports perceptions of energy-efficient solutions are expanding, with consumers showing near equal interest in lifestyle enhancements as well as cost savings in motivating these changes.

Parks Associates will host Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer on January 24-26, 2011, in Austin, Texas, which will feature the session "Opportunities beyond the HAN" to discuss new opportunities for energy-related solutions, including smart appliances and electric vehicles.

"While 68% of households have made home improvements to save on their utility bill, almost two-thirds cite personal comfort as another primary reason for making upgrades," said Bill Ablondi, director, home systems research, Parks Associates. "Our Residential Energy Management project shows consumers associate energy-efficient products and services as means to improve and upgrade their homes as well as save money. Providers and manufacturers can tap into this motivator to expand adoption."

"Opportunities beyond the HAN," 1:45 p.m. on January 26, will feature the following speakers:

  • Utz Baldwin, CEO, CEDIA
  • Andy Melder, Powerline Marketing, Broadcom
  • JT Thompson, Utility Sales Leader, GE Appliances and Lighting

Smart Energy Summit is the premier event examining business opportunities and technical challenges as smart grid technologies move into the home. The agenda features keynote speakers from IBM, Grid Net, and the U.S. Department of Commerce and includes interactive panels and presentations focused on strategies to demonstrate the value proposition of new energy management products, services, and standards.

Visit www.smartenergysummit2011.com or contact 972-490-1113, sales@parksassociates.com for information.

About Smart Energy Summit
Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer, hosted by Parks Associates, is the premier conference studying the market for residential energy management and smart grid technologies. The event features a unique combination of market research and real-world expertise, with industry experts examining the status of smart grids, the opportunities and pitfalls of integrating with home systems, and the new benefits to consumers, from cloud services and in-home control products. http://www.smartenergysummit2011.com

Contact Information:

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein
Parks Associates
972-490-1113
mindi.sue@parksassociates.com